The cinematic portrayal of the esteemed composer Ilaiyaraaja, featuring Dhanush in the lead role, was unveiled towards the end of the previous year. At that time, it was anticipated that production would commence in October of the current year. However, recent murmurs surrounding the Ilaiyaraaja biopic paint a different picture.
Recent reports indicate that filming for the highly awaited biographical film chronicling the life of the legendary musician Ilaiyaraaja is slated to kick off on March 20th. Dhanush is set to embody the revered musician, under the direction of Arun Matheswaran. The film, as of yet untitled, is anticipated to grace the silver screen around the middle of 2025.
This collaboration marks the second instance of Dhanush and Arun Matheswaran joining forces, following their collaboration on the project Captain Miller. Notably, Ilaiyaraaja and Dhanush had previously collaborated on the musical front for Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam, wherein Dhanush lent his vocals to the track “Onnoda Nadandhaa” from the album Viduthalai – Part 1.
For those unfamiliar, Ilaiyaraaja, often hailed as Isaignani or the musical luminary, boasts a distinguished career spanning over forty-seven years, with a repertoire encompassing over 7,000 songs and 1,000 film scores, in addition to over 20,000 concerts. It’s worth mentioning that A. R. Rahman, the esteemed composer who clinched both Oscar and Grammy awards, embarked on his musical journey under the tutelage of Ilaiyaraaja in 1986.
Dhanush, a prominent figure in Tamil cinema, commanding a burgeoning following in Northern India, has graced the screens in 46 films and has been bestowed with four National Film Awards and fourteen SIIMA Awards. Apart from his portrayal in the Ilaiyaraaja biopic, the actor is engaged in several other captivating projects, including Kubera directed by Sekhar Kammula, alongside Nagarjuna Akkineni and Rashmika Mandanna. Moreover, he is immersed in the directorial ventures titled “Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam” and “Raayan”.
Dhanush’s forthcoming film roster also includes “Tere Ishk Mein” alongside Annad L Rai. Announced in June 2023, the film is yet to take flight. “Tere Ishk Mein” marks the third collaboration between Dhanush and Rai, following “Raanjhanaa” (2013) and “Arrangi Re” (2021).